Heatwave alert! High temperatures are sweeping parts of Europe and the United States – and Malaysians, too, are sweltering in heat and humidity – forcing people to change their habits to cope.
Beauty routines are no exception, as makeup users seek ways to avoid the inconveniences caused by such temperatures, starting with excessive shine and enlarged pores.
In addition to these tips on what you should wear, the following should help you keep your makeup looking great all day long despite the heat.
Keep makeup (very) light
Hot weather requires a lighter makeup routine to let skin breathe and avoid the sticky, shiny effect. And while going makeup-free is becoming more and more popular around the world, many have still not embraced this 100% natural look in the workplace.
In this case, it’s best to turn to waterproof beauty products – eyeliner and mascara – so you don’t end up with panda eyes before you’ve even set foot in the office.
For skin, it’s best to opt for light textures, such as “beauty balm” (BB) and “colour correct” (CC) creams, which provide a host of benefits, and then finish off with a touch of mattifying bronzing powder for a tanned complexion with zero shine.
Primer is also essential, as it helps to cover all sorts of imperfections while helping to set foundation and concealers in place for a better hold.
As for lips, a simple gloss or a moisturising balm are daytime essentials, while a long-lasting matte lipstick is great for the evening.
Skincare, skincare, skincare
While facial skincare is essential all year round, it should definitely not be neglected during heatwaves. It is the most important step of a beauty routine, as perfectly cleansed and nourished skin will be better primed to receive its daily dose of makeup.
Any beauty routine should start with a proper cleansing, using a product suited to your skin type, followed by a serum or a light cream to even out the complexion and limit enlarged pores.
When it’s hot, you can put your skincare products in the refrigerator to boost their benefits and enjoy a cooling sensation. Cryotherapy, a viral trend on social networks, now has many followers, and a host of treatments inspired by this “cold therapy” are gradually appearing in bathrooms.
A simple ice cube – effective in tightening pores and fighting against certain signs of ageing – should be enough to refresh your skin at the beginning and end of the day.
Invest in portable products
While these two steps will save you a lot of hassle in hot weather, they might not guarantee you a flawless finish all day long. To keep things in check, it’s best to have a few essentials on hand for touch-ups between meetings or appointments.
Handbag essentials include mists, fixers, and mattifying sheets that will allow you to maintain a radiant, shine-free complexion throughout the day.
If you don’t have any of these, don’t hesitate to pat a tissue on the shiniest areas of your face – forehead, nose, cheekbones, chin – to absorb excess oil, then apply a mattifying powder.